HiPP Baby Formula

About HiPP

HiPP organic baby formulas are a great choice for parents looking for the purest, most nutritious options for their children. HiPP company is a family-owned business that has been around for over 100 years. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients, great taste, and organic farming practices ensures that your baby is getting the best possible care.

The Guide to HiPP Formulas

Limited Time: Up To 20% OFF HiPP

HiPP Organic Formula

HiPP pays a lot of attention to the raw materials and ingredients used in all their products. Babies should be given healthy, organic infant formula that tastes great and at the same time does not contain any unwanted ingredients.

Important ingredients contained within the HiPP baby formulas:

Omega 3 & 6 LCPs (DHA & ALA)
Organic grass-fed cow milk
Oligosaccharides obtained from lactose
Prebiotics
Probiotics

What isn’t included in formulas is just as important as what is. With HiPP, you’ll never see:

Added Sugars
GMOs
Wheat or peanut ingredients
Gluten
Maltodextrin
Soy
Synthetic preservatives

About HiPP Brand History

HiPP was founded in 1899 by Joseph HiPP in Güntsburg Germany. His wife had been having trouble nursing their twins, and so necessity lead to invention.

It was not difficult for him as a creative baker. He baked rusks and produced his own rusk flour at his pastry shop in Pfaffenhofen. He added nutrients to milk, making it much more filling and suitable as a baby formula. The twins survived and thrived, as did the next five children!

Today, HiPP is the world's largest organic-biological raw material processor. Not only is HiPP known for producing some of the finest baby formula for children, but it also does so while minimizing carbon emissions. HiPP formula is a fantastic option for your child as well as the environment.

European Organic & HiPP Organic Seal

With over 6,000 organic farms used within HiPP's production - HiPP is dedicated to providing healthy raw materials that make a premium product. Alongside strict European Union certified-organic ingredients, HiPP has taken the standard "organic baby formula" to the next level by creating its own mark of quality assurance.

With HiPP's organic seal, parents can expect:

All ingredients checked for any pollutants or contaminants
No pesticides used with any of HiPP's farms
HiPP only uses untreated seeds for their crops
They do not use any hormones with their animals
Antibiotics are banned with their animals, with the exception of when they become necessary for an animals health
They use extreme care to protect their plants from external pollutants
Livestock is not commingled with any other species, meaning cows and goats are kept separate

HiPP Formula UK Version

One of HiPP's most popular products is the HiPP UK product line, as this formula shares the same high quality manufacturing facilities in Germany, but is packaged in the UK with English packaging. Unlike other HiPP products, HiPP UK does not contain any probiotics, but does contain natural prebiotics sourced from galactooligosaccharides (GOS) in cow milk. HiPP UK is a lactose based cow formula, specifically using natural skim milk. HiPP UK is available in three stages - all 3 stages of HiPP UK are starch-free.

HiPP UK Stage 1 is intended for infants aged 0 - 6 months of age
HiPP UK Stage 2 is intended for babies aged 6 - 12 months of age
HiPP UK Stage 3 is intended for toddlers aged 12 months and up

HiPP Formula Dutch Version

HiPP manufactures its Dutch formula in Germany, with packaging completed in the Netherlands (including Dutch language packaging). Similar to other HiPP Formulas, HiPP Dutch contains natural prebiotics from skimmed organic cow's milk. HiPP Dutch is a lactose based organic baby formula has prebiotics from lactose fibers called galactooligosaccharides (GOS). Similar to natural human breast milk, HiPP Dutch formula also contains probiotics from the enriched lactobacillus fermentum hereditum. HiPP Dutch is 100% starch free, gluten free, sugar free, soy free, and GMO free.

HiPP Dutch also manufactures a goat milk formula, with the same premium features as regular HiPP Dutch cow formula. HiPP Dutch Goat formula is rich in prebiotics and DHA Omega-3, and comes in three stages.

HiPP Dutch Stage 1 is intended for infants aged 0 - 6 months of age
HiPP Dutch Stage 2 is intended for babies aged 6 - 12 months of age
HiPP Dutch Stage 3 is intended for toddlers aged 12 months and up

German HiPP Formula

HiPP German formulas are made and packaged in Germany using organic skimmed cow milk. All HiPP German formulas contain natural prebiotic galactooligosaccharides (GOS) from organic lactose, helping build a baby's natural gut microbiome. HiPP German formulas also contain probiotics from lactobacillus fermentum hereditum, which is a natural lactic acid culture that closely resembles probiotics found in human breast milk. To help fill your baby's tummy, later stage HiPP German formulas contain organic starch as a carbohydrate source. There are starch free HiPP formula options, including No Starch HiPP Stage 2 and HiPP Stage PRE. HiPP German also includes three specialty formulas which are useful for parents with babies who experience colic, constipation, diarrhea, gassiness, and milk sensitivity. HiPP German Combiotic Formula comes in the following stages:

HiPP German Stage PRE is intended for infants aged 0 - 6 months of age, and can be given from birth
HiPP German Stage 1 is intended for infants aged 0 - 6 months of age
HiPP German Stage 2 is intended for babies aged 6 - 12 months of age
HiPP German Stage 2 No Starch is intended for babies aged 6 - 12 months of age
HiPP German 1+ is intended for toddlers aged 12 months and up
HiPP German 2+ is intended for toddlers aged 24 months and up

HiPP Comfort

HiPP Comfort is manufactured and packaged in Germany. This formula is intended for babies who have significant sensitivity to standard cow milk formulas, experiencing digestive problems from birth such as constipation, gassiness, flatulence, and lactose-related 3-month colic. HiPP Comfort has a reduced composition of lactose because it uses hydrolyzed cow milk proteins, making it easier to digest. Probiotics and prebiotics in HiPP Comfort help your baby build its natural gut microbiome with a goal of eventually allowing a stomach to process foods with less sensitivity. HiPP Comfort can also help loosen a baby's stool.

HiPP Anti Reflux

HiPP Anti-Reflux is made with organic locus bean gum, which makes this formula a bit thicker and reduces the likelihood of spit up, vomiting, and reflux caused by a baby's stomach not yet being familiar with cow milk formula. HiPP AR is made and packaged in Germany and helps regulate reflux and regurgitation from birth. Like other HiPP German formulas, HiPP Anti Reflux contains natural prebiotics and probiotics which further help build your baby's healthy gut bacteria. HiPP Anti Reflux is a specialty formula recommended by many pediatricians when a baby experiences frequent vomiting and spit up.

HiPP HA Formula

For babies who have a high risk of developing cow milk allergies, or have extreme sensitivity to regular cow milk formula - HiPP HA Hypoallergenic was created as a gentle formula that is intended to be easier to digest. HiPP HA formula uses partially hydrolyzed milk proteins broken down by 86%, which makes this formula an extensively hydrolyzed cow milk formula. Although HiPP HA uses all organic ingredients, there is no way to certify a hydrolyzed milk as organic - so technically speaking HiPP HA Hypoallergenic formula is not organic. HiPP HA also contains natural prebiotics and probiotics, which help kick start growth of good natural bacteria in your baby's stomach.. HiPP Hypoallergenic formula comes in three stages:

HiPP German HA Hypoallergenic Combiotic Stage PRE is intended for infants aged 0 - 6 months of age, and can be given from birth
HiPP German HA Hypoallergenic Combiotic Stage 1 is intended for infants aged 0 - 6 months of age
HiPP German HA Hypoallergenic Combiotic Stage 2 is intended for babies aged 6 - 12 months of age

The main difference between HiPP HA Stage PRE and HiPP HA Stage 1 is that Stage PRE does not contain starch, which may make Stage PRE slightly easier to digest (this is especially important for premature babies). May parents use HiPP HA Stage PRE and HiPP HA Stage PRE interchangeably.

While both HiPP HA Stage 1 and HiPP HA Stage 2 use the same ingredients, the two formulas differ slightly in their nutritional values - with HiPP HA Stage 2 intended for older babies. However, under the guidance of a pediatrician, some parents continue using HiPP HA Stage 1 for older babies and add some simple nutritional supplements to the formula, such as fortifying iron levels.

HiPP Goat's Milk Formula Dutch Version

HiPP's most popular goat milk formula is available in 400g cans. HiPP Dutch Goat formula is a very popular formula, though relatively new, only introduced in early 2022. HiPP Dutch Goat comes in three stages, and can be given to babies from birth all the way through toddlerhood. HiPP Dutch Goat contains natural prebiotics derived from organic lactose found in goat milk. Because this formula is based on goat formula, it uses A2 milk which is gentle to digest in comparison to cow milk formula. HiPP Dutch Goat is made in Germany and packaged in the Netherlands.

HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 1 is intended for infants aged 0 - 6 months of age
HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 2 is intended for babies aged 6 - 12 months of age
HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 3 is intended for toddlers aged 12 months and up

HiPP Cow's Milk Formula Dutch Version

HiPP Cow's milk formula Dutch version is available in three stages, intended for babies from birth up through childhood. HiPP Dutch contains both prebiotics and probiotics which help build your baby's natural gut bacteria. HiPP Dutch also contains healthy omega-3 and omega-6 from organic fish oil that is sourced using sustainable farming.

HiPP Formula

Why is HiPP formula so good?

HiPP formula is a good formula because it does not contain sugar, no corn syrup, and no soy. HiPP is popular because it is nutritionally complete and offers many specialty formulas for different feeding conditions. To be EU-certified as organic, HiPP formulas are made of 95% organic materials, and the remaining 5% of non-organic materials comprise of essential minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids which are required for infant health and nutrition.

Is HiPP formula good for babies?

HiPP formula is one of the most popular baby formula brands in Europe. Pediatricians and parents alike like the clean ingredients found in HiPP, as well as the added probiotics and prebiotics which help build natural gut bacteria.

Where to buy HiPP formula?

HiPP Formulas are shipped directly from Europe and not available in USA stores. Organic Life Start is the largest distributor of HiPP organic baby formula and is trusted by over 35,000 parents when buying HiPP formula.

How to prepare HiPP formula?

When making HiPP formulas it is important to use the included scoop found inside of the original packaging. Instructions for HiPP formulas are age-specific, and depend on how old your baby is. HiPP formulas are made in 3 different stages, and the instructions for each unique stage can be found on the back of the product packaging. A translated version of each is available on our product pages.

Which HiPP formula is best?

The most popular HiPP formulas are HiPP Dutch, HiPP UK, and HiPP German. For babies who are more sensitive, HiPP HA is a popular choice because it has hydrolyzed milk proteins, as well as HiPP Comfort which is gentle to digest. HiPP Dutch Goat is a popular cow's milk alternative formula, and HiPP AR is helpful for babies who suffer from acid reflux.

Ingredients In HiPP Formula

HiPP is uniquely made of organic ingredients wherever possible. HiPP formula is lactose based, containing GOS (galactooligosaccharides) from lactose as the source of prebiotics. Organic probiotics are added from lactobacillus fermentum hereditum. HiPP formula does not contain any maltodextrin, no soy, no GMO, no sugar, and no corn syrup. HiPP formula is rich in natural nutrients such as fish oil, vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium from organic milk, zinc sulfate, and natural lactic acid bacteria. HiPP specialty formulas contain hydrolyzed milk proteins which have had milk pritein fatty chains hydrolyzed by 86%. HiPP formulas surpass all European Union regulation for healthy baby formula ingredients and baby nutritional requirements.

HiPP Formula Stages

HiPP comes in four stages (stage pre, stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3). Each stage is age specific and needs to be given to a baby of the appropriate age, although some people use "stage pre" and "stage 1" interchangeably. The differences in these stages are meant to mirror a mother's natural breast milk, which also changes as the baby gets older. Examples of these age-specific changes are increased levels of nutrients, as well as changed levels of whey to casein - which are more appropriate for each specific age of your baby.

It is important to give your baby the correct stage so that they are given the adequate nutrients that are intended for a specific age.

HiPP Infant Formula

HiPP makes two types of infant formulas (called "Stage PRE" and "Stage 1"), with a minor difference separating each. All different country labels of HiPP have the same definitions for infant formula age brackets.

HiPP Stage PRE: This starch-free formula is intended for infants from birth, typically up to six months of age. The "PRE" stands for "premature", meaning that HiPP PRE formulas are sometimes recommended by pediatricians to be given as a first nutritionally complete meal for the youngest babies. These formulas are lactose-based, similar to what a baby would experience from breast milk.
HiPP Stage 1: This is a nutritionally complete formula, typically given to babies from 2 weeks up to six months of age. HiPP Stage 1 is generally more filling than HiPP Stage PRE formulas because HiPP Stage 1 uses a gentle starch as it's source of carbohydrates. You can use Stage 1 alongside breastfeeding as a supplement, or as your baby's sole source of nutrition.

HiPP Stage PRE Formulas are for infants from birth to 6 months of age

HiPP German Stage PRE Baby Formula (Birth to 6 months): HiPP German Stage Pre
HiPP German HA Stage PRE Baby Formula (Birth to 6 months): HiPP HA Stage Pre

HiPP Stage 1 Infant Formulas are for infants 0-6 months of age

HiPP Dutch Stage 1 Formula (0-6 months): HiPP Dutch Stage 1
HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 1 Baby Formula (0-6 months): HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 1
HiPP UK Stage 1 Baby Formula (0-6 months): HiPP UK Stage 1
HiPP German Stage 1 Baby Formula (0-6 months): HiPP German Stage 1
HiPP German HA Stage 1 Baby Formula (0-6 months): HiPP HA Stage 1

HiPP Follow-On Formula

As a baby gets older, it requires more nutrients such as iron and calcium - as well as higher levels of calories to maintain healthy growth and cognitive development. This is why Follow On Formula, also referred to as "Stage 2" formula was developed to be given to babies from the age of 6 months and up. Many parents will use follow on formula to help supplement their baby's diet, as they begin weaning off of breast milk and trying some solid foods.

However, unlike HiPP infant formulas, follow on formulas are not consistently manufactured as "Stage 2" in all countries. In the HiPP UK and HiPP Dutch formulas, Stage 2 is exclusively reserved for follow-on milk, whereas in Germany, HiPP German Stage 2 and Stage 3 are both considered follow on formula.

HiPP Stage 2 Follow On Formulas are for babies 6-12 months of age

HiPP Dutch Stage 2 Formula (6-12 months): HiPP Dutch Stage 2
HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 2 Baby Formula (6-12 months): HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 2
HiPP UK Stage 2 Baby Formula (6-12 months): HiPP UK Stage 2
HiPP German Stage 2 Baby Formula (6-12 months): HiPP German Stage 2
HiPP German No Starch Stage 2 Baby Formula (6-12 months): HiPP German No Starch Stage 2
HiPP German HA Stage 2 Baby Formula (6-12 months): HiPP HA Stage 2
HiPP German Stage 3 Baby Formula (10+ months): HiPP German Stage 3 - note that this is the only stage 3 formula that is a Follow On formula.

HiPP Toddler Formula

Toddler formula helps round out your little one's diet, as we know that toddlers can be picky eaters. It is important to complement your toddler's meals as they wean off breast milk so that their diets remain nutritionally complete, getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for healthy growth.

Toddler formulas are intended for babies older than 12 months and should not be given to babies under 12 months of age. Most toddler formulas will be suitable for toddlers aged 12-24 months, and some toddler formulas are suitable up through 36 months of age.

HiPP Toddler formulas are fortified with nutrients, probiotics, prebiotics, and minerals such as iron, calcium, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin D - helping your toddler maintain healthy bone growth. HiPP UK and HiPP Dutch toddler fomulas are called "Stage 3" formula, whereas HiPP German toddler formulas are more commonly known as Kindermilch 1+ and 2+.

HiPP Stage 3 Toddler Formulas are for toddlers 12+ months of age

HiPP Dutch Stage 3 Formula (12+ months): HiPP Dutch Stage 3
HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 3 Baby Formula (12+ months): HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 3
HiPP UK Stage 3 Baby Formula (12+ months): HiPP UK Stage 3
HiPP Kindermilch 1+ (12+ months): HiPP 1+
HiPP Kindermilch 2+ (24+ months): HiPP 2+

HiPP Sensitive Formula

Many babies require specific formulas which are for special feeding conditions, typically for babies who have some type of diet sensitivity. These formulas are designed to be given from birth onwards and are nutritionally similar to many Stage 1 formulas. Many pediatricians will recommend these sensitive formulas also for premature babies, with special feeding instructions. HiPP Sensitive Formulas are designed for feeding without a specific upper limit to the number of months at which they can be given, although it is worthwhile considering that at some point you may need to provide your baby with nutrient supplements if your pediatrician recommends using a specific HiPP Sensitive Formula beyond 6 months.

HiPP formulas without a specific "stage," but can be given from birth

HiPP Anti Reflux AR Formula (Suitable From Birth): HiPP AR
HiPP Comfort Formula (Suitable From Birth): HiPP Comfort

Different Kinds of HiPP Baby Formula Comparison Table

Every baby is different, and their nutritional needs and demands are unique. Each HiPP product is designed with a particular goal in mind. To help you find the right product we have created HiPP Infant Formula Comparison Table.

HiPP Dutch	Age	Why choose?	EU Certified Organic & non-GMO	Probiotics	Prebiotics	Whey	Lactose	Starch	Maltodextrin	Soy	Omega-3 ALA	Omega-3 DHA	Omega-6
HiPP Dutch Stage 1	0-6 months	Prebiotics & Probiotics for healthy digestion, No Maltodextrin, Skimmed Milk	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP Dutch Stage 2	6-12 months		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP Dutch Stage 3	12+ months		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

HiPP UK	Age	Why choose?	EU Certified Organic & non-GMO	Probiotics	Prebiotics	Whey	Lactose	Starch	Maltodextrin	Soy	Omega-3 ALA	Omega-3 DHA	Omega-6
HiPP UK Stage 1	0-6 months	Prebiotics for healthy digestion, No Maltodextrin, Skimmed Milk, Packaging in English	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP UK Stage 2	6-12 months		Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP UK Stage 3	12+ months		Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

HiPP Comfort	Age	Why choose?	EU Certified Organic & non-GMO	Probiotics	Prebiotics	Whey	Lactose	Starch	Maltodextrin	Soy	Omega-3 ALA	Omega-3 DHA	Omega-6
HiPP Comfort	0+ months	Prebiotics & Probiotics for healthy digestion, Reduced lactose content, Hydrolzed milk protein	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

HiPP AR	Age	Why choose?	EU Certified Organic & non-GMO	Probiotics	Prebiotics	Whey	Lactose	Starch	Maltodextrin	Soy	Omega-3 ALA	Omega-3 DHA	Omega-6
HiPP AR	0+ months	Organic Locust Bean Gum makes this creamier and easier for babies with reflux / spit up	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

HiPP HA	Age	Why choose?	EU Certified Organic & non-GMO	Probiotics	Prebiotics	Whey	Lactose	Starch	Maltodextrin	Soy	Omega-3 ALA	Omega-3 DHA	Omega-6
HiPP HA Stage Pre	0+ months	Prebiotics & Probiotics for healthy digestion, hydrolyzed milk proteins for reduced allergic reactions	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP HA Stage 1	0-6 months		No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP HA Stage 2	6-12 months		No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

HiPP German	Age	Why choose?	EU Certified Organic & non-GMO	Probiotics	Prebiotics	Whey	Lactose	Starch	Maltodextrin	Soy	Omega-3 ALA	Omega-3 DHA	Omega-6
HiPP German Stage Pre	0+ months	Prebiotics & probiotics for better digestion, DHA/ARA, and starch for fuller tummies	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP German Stage 1	0-6 months		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP German Stage 2	6-12 months		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP German Stage 2 No Starch	6-12 months	Prebiotics & probiotics for better digestion, DHA/ARA	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP German Stage 3	10+ months	Prebiotics & probiotics for better digestion, DHA/ARA, and starch for fuller tummies	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

HiPP Goat Dutch	Age	Why choose?	EU Certified Organic & non-GMO	Probiotics	Prebiotics	Whey	Lactose	Starch	Maltodextrin	Soy	Omega-3 ALA	Omega-3 DHA	Omega-6
HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 1	0-6 months	Goat Milk based formula, Prebiotics for healthy digestion, No Maltodextrin, No soy	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 2	6-12 months		Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 3	12+ months		Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

HiPP Kindermilch	Age	Why choose?	EU Certified Organic & non-GMO	Probiotics	Prebiotics	Whey	Lactose	Starch	Maltodextrin	Soy	Omega-3 ALA	Omega-3 DHA	Omega-6
HiPP Kindermilch Stage 1	12-24 months	Prebiotics & probiotics for better digestion, DHA/ARA, and fortified calcium for strong bones	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
HiPP Kindermilch Stage 2	24+ months		No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No

Organic Life Start Answers

What makes a good baby formula?

Choosing the right baby formula doesn't need to be complicated. Start by understanding these seven considerations about newborn nutrition and meal addatives, which are the main differentiators in baby formulas.

1. Choosing A Carbohydrate

Lactose Carbohydrates

Natural breast milk is full of lactose as the main carbohydrate. Formulas that are abundant in lactose will be the most similar to breast milk. Even from an early age, most infants have the lactase enzyme that allows them to digest and absorb lactose carbohydrates. Infants that are abnormally sensitive to lactose can be placed on special low-in-lactose formulas that are goats milk based.

Babies that consume lactose from an early age are faster to develop healthy gut bacteria. In comparison to processed and refined sugars, lactose has a lower glycemic index, aiding in the absorbtion of calcium.

Lactose-rich formulas are more typical in European baby formulas than US formulas. You can identify a lactose based formula by looking at the ingredients list. Read the ingredients and find formulas that are based on cow's milk, "organic cow's milk," or "organic skimmed milk" to identify formulas that contain lactose.

Refined Sugar Carbohydrates

Unlike European formulas, US formulas use corn syrup, processed sugars, syrup solids, or brown rice addatives. These ingredients represent the carbohydrate component of US baby formulas, and unfortunately these ingredients are ultimately less healthy than natural lactose found in cow's milk.

In fact, processed sugar addatives are banned in European formulas due to concerns about childhood obesity. Formulas that use sugars as the carb base are considerably more processed than formulas high in lactose.

If your family has a history of obesity or diabetes, it is especially important to consider which type of carbohydrate is the best for babies.

Organic Life Start only delivers lactose-rich formulas because we believe they are genuinely healthier than sugar based alternatives.

2. Prebiotics vs. Probiotics

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics help develop natural gut bacteria, and are found in natural breast milk. Prebiotics actually aren't digested by your baby's organism, but rather when consumed they help develop cultures of bacteria that "kickstart" your baby's tummy to eventually transition into eating more "adult like" foods. Baby's that are breastfed receive natural prebiotics, so it is important to consider formulas (breast milk supplements) that are high in prebiotics.

As baby's consume prebiotics, their microbiome develops and prepares them for solid foods. Many of Organic Life Start's formulas contain prebiotics. You can find formulas with prebiotics by checking the ingredients list to find prebiotics like Fructooligasaccharides (FOS) and Galactooligosaccharides (GOS).

What are probiotics?

A baby's gut is full of natural bacteria, called probiotics. As a baby ages and matures, this bacteria develops and becomes more complex over time.

Breast milk makes up about 30% of a newborns probiotics. If a baby will not be breastfed, or not breastfed for very long, it is important to consider how you will substitute for these naturally occurring probiotics. Diets low in probiotics will lead to much slower development of your baby's gut, and can increase the likelihood of food-based sensitivities later in life. Probiotics also help your baby's immune response, prevent eczema, and reduce colic. If you see the ingredients Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium then you are choosing a formula that contains probiotics.

Our opinion is that probiotics should be strongly considered when looking for a new formula, or looking to switch formulas towards a healther alternative.

HiPP Dutch products are rich in probiotics.

3. DHA and ARA

What is DHA?

DHA, also known as Omega 3, is a long chain fatty acid that is critical to the development of fatty soft tissues such as a baby's eyes and brain. In fact, DHA is so helpful in improved brain development that it is a mandatory component of all European infant formulas. All Organic Life Start formulas contain DHA.

Natural DHA is found in breastmilk, and is a naturally ocurring nutrient. If you are considering formula for your baby, DHA addatives should be a must-have because babies do not produce as much DHA as is required to support growth spurts and early stage mental development.

What is ARA?

Similar to DHA, ARA is another naturally ocurring fatty acid found in breastmilk. ARA helps regulate inflammation and improves the connectivity of neurological synapses.

Formulas rich in ARA are preferrable to those that do not have ARA (or those that contain very little ARA).

4. Formula Preservatives

Preservatives improve shelf life, but can be toxic.

Synthetic prefervatives such as ascorbic palmitate and beta carotene are commonly found in US made formulas. Synthetic preservatives are often much harder for the body to digest and can build up over time, especially when consumed from a young age.

While the intent of preservatives is to extend shelf life, the reality is that these preservatives allow manufacturers to extend the time in which they can sell very old product stock. Natural formulas with dehydrated milk have equally long shelf life, but do not contain toxic preservatives. Synthetic preservatives are banned in European formulas, which should make anyone think twice before committing to ingredients they can't pronounce.

5. Nutrients

Avoid man-made nutrients in baby formulas

Early stage development is a sensitive period of time for our little one's life. Many synthetic nutrients are inherently toxic or are processed with highly toxic solvents. Manufacturers prefer to use these nutrients over naturally ocurring nutrients because they are cheaper to source and can be delivered to manufacturing facilities in quantities that will last a manufacturer several years worth of formula.

Avoid nutrients such as lutein, lycopene, taurine, L-carnitine, and L-methionine. All of these man made nutrients are banned in European formulas, but unfortunately are commonplace in US manufactured formulas.

6. Palm vs. Soy

Palm oil in baby formula

Palm oil is commonly found in both US and European baby formulas. Palm oil may cause some digestive issues such as gassiness, but if your baby experiences gassiness you can opt for a formula that is low in palm oil or palm oil free (such as HiPP Comfort). Palm oil is generally accepted as a healthier alternative to soy oil.

Soy oil in baby formula

A formula that does not contain palm oil will most likely contain soy oil. Soy oil is a bit easier to digest, there is evidence that consumption of soy oil early in life leads to severe menstural cramps later in life. Palm oil is considered the safer option between palm and soy oils.

7. 360 Balanced Formulas

The best formulas are inherently simple in composition.

A balanced baby diet should take similar considerations into account as you would with your own diet. The only difference is that because a baby's stomach is still developing, it is more sensitive to what you put into it.

When choosing a baby formula and reading formula ingredients lists, pay special attention to the types of carbohydrates, the sources of fats, whether a formula contains healthy supplements like as DHA and ARA, and whether a formula is free of man-made and toxic preservatives.

Give your newborn the best start in life by choosing healthy baby formulas.